(GEORGIAN BAY TOWNSHIP, ON) – On September 3, 2016 at approximately 6:40 p.m. members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) marine unit were patrolling Tomahawk Channel on the waters of Georgian Bay when they observed a personal water craft travelling at a high rate of speed. Boaters need to reduce their speed to 10 km/h when going through this channel as per the Vessel Operations Restriction Regulations – Canada Shipping Act 2001.
The personal water craft (PWC) was stopped by the OPP marine vessel a short time later at 6:48 p.m. Police determined that the male operator of the PWC was under the influence of alcohol. As a result of further investigation the male operator Tyler SPENCE (age 30) of Penetanguishene, ON has been charged with:
Operate Vessel with more than 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
Operating Power Driven Vessel at a speed over 10 km/h within 30 metres of shore in specified waters contrary to the Vessel Operations Restriction Regulations – Canada Shipping Act 2001.
Operating Non- Human Powered Pleasure Craft Without Prescribed Visual Signals on Board contrary to the Small Vessel Regulations – Canada Shipping Act 2001
Failure to have Proof of Competency on Board a Pleasure Craft contrary to the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations – Canada Shipping Act 2001.
The accused also received a 90 day automatic driver’s licence suspension.
The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on September 16, 2016 in Midland, ON.
Members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: www.crimestopperssdm.com or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)